As we age.......
As we age, the thrill of our youth fades as reality sets in and we focus on our careers; building our future and families. Many of the desserts of our youth are shifted aside as we take a more serious approach to our lives. Often, the music of our easy and free years is one of those treats that either evolves, changes with the times or leaves us stuck in rut of musical regurgitation that returns like Ground Hog Day.
As we approach 40, we are expected to somehow mature in our musical taste and evolve as easy listening or country music aficionados. After all, it is time to grow up and that rock and roll that we listened to in our youth is just so passé. I say, NOT SO!
Country music today is the mainstream rock of the late 70’s and early 80’s reborn. The hooks are memorable and the music is rockier than Hank Williams ever imagined it could be. I listened for a while, in the absence of anything of value in current rock music and liked a few of the artists.
I can not understand why anyone would be caught dead tuning in an easy listening station due to the lack of imagination as the energy wanes like the Energizer bunny running low on batteries.
Then, there are those who consider themselves culturally enlightened and fulfill their new found elite awareness listening to classical. Hey, there is nothing wrong with classical, I like some of it! I just can’t stand the shows on NPR where drones intellectualize in monotone voices, pontificating about a higher musical order.
Some people grow into the jazz genre and that is a nice musical direction to take; perfect for the individual who is really into the ‘musicianship’.
The late 80’s ushered in a lengthy period of alternative bands that were as repetitious as a child practicing for a spelling bee. The music was less about a great recording with technical precision and songs with memorable hooks and more about the ‘woe is me’ angst of a generation that viewed the glass as half empty.
The 90’s became a great void in music and I found myself becoming a ‘regurgitator’, listening to old recordings of 70’s and 80’s rock. I longed for an “alternative” to this and I don’t mean that in the sense of the genre that glorified heroin abuse with lead singers who moaned and groaned like baritones with a mouth full of dinner; on high doses of testosterone.
In 1995, I discovered Melodic Rock. Many artists from the mid 70’s and early to mid ‘80’s were huge in Europe and Japan and found fertile ground to replant their sound and record fresh new music. For the past 12 years, this genre has grown and flourished and some have taken the best aspects of alternative and blended it with good old rock and roll, releasing some stellar material. It is not always hard rock or mainstream; it is just plain good music with good lyrics, outstanding musicianship, tremendous vocals and great production.
Here are some artists that you should check out and take a listen to. Many of these have a very contemporary sound that will provide for the aging listener, a familiar feeling that will take you back but somehow leave you feeling refreshed. Remember, you are only as old as you feel and if you think young, you’ll stay young and rock music keeps you young. Here are 8 of my favorites with links to websites where you can take a listen:
I-94-Band out of L.A. with four studio and one live CD. If you find them on an internet search be sure to listen to “Go Back In Time” or “I Will” both from their GET NERVOUS CD. The new CD is BITS & PARTS and it too is outstanding. http://www.i94music.com
Harem Scarem-Yes, the same band from the mid 80’s with a contemporary sound, and every song is loaded with hooks leaving you smiling! Last years CD, HUMAN NATURE is, in my estimation, one of the best melodic rock recordings of the year. My picks for best songs are: “Going Under”, “Next Time Around” and the uplifting “Starlight”. The title track, “Human Nature”, sticks in your head and you’ll find yourself humming it all day long. Excellent harmonies and tight musicianship. http://www.haremscarem.net
Fair Ground-This is an effort by the lead guitarist of Harem Scarem, Pete Lesperance. It is as similar to the Harem Scarem as it is dissimilar. Excellent production, fantastic songs and impeccable musicianship. There is not a bad song on the CD. My favorite picks are: “Down In It”, “Say You Will” and “No Sign of Life” http://www.fairgroundtheband.com
Scorpions-On their HUMANITY HOUR 1 CD, the Scorpions are back with the brand of hard rock that made them famous. Superb production and 70% of the songs are just delicious ear candy. My favorite picks include: “The Game of Life”, “321” and “We Were Born to Fly”. Listen to this one at: www.the-scorpions.com
Voices of Rock MMVII-A compilation of great rock songs by voices of the 80’s who are still recording today. Best cuts: “Slip Away” featuring Steve Overland, “Underloved” featuring Robin Beck and “Irresistible” featuring Harry Hess. Plus….many other great voices and songs! Listen to cuts from this CD at: http://www.nehrecords.com
Linda Chorney-A personal friend and probably one of the most talented unsigned artists around. Her recording from 2005 is the latest of her four CD’s and although this is not Melodic Rock it truly cuts through the mindless commercial garbage on radio today. Her CD 1 KISS AT A TIME is just outstanding. My picks: All songs! www.lindachorney.com
John Lawton-Ex Uriah Heep and Lucifer’s Friend vocalist returns with a bluesy CD entitled “Still Payin’ My Dues To The Blues”. All of the songs are excellent and anyone who appreciates clean production and sharp vocals will love this one. Check John Lawton out at http://www.johnlawton.org
Joe Lynn Turner-Legendary rock vocalist who has performed with Deep Purple, Rainbow and Yngwie Malmsteen and others just released an outstanding new recording “Second Hand Life”. Pick any song on this CD and you won’t be disappointed. www.joelynnturner.com
So there you have it, some great music and something for every aging rock and roller to enjoy. You no longer have to be a mid-life and gag as you listen to todays attempt at rock and roll. Talk radio is very entertaining, but sometimes you need to 'rock out'. You won't be listening to the music of today's youth and you won't be settling for only the payola generated songs that you hear on the radio today. This the the "alternative" of the 21st century.
I love the energy and excitement of Melodic Rock and hope that readers on this blog will give it a chance and take a listen. I will post reviews periodically of new releases with more depth and analysis. In the future I will review some new age, melodic rock (of course), let everyone know of reissues of classic CD's and even dabble in country music once in a while.
Take a listen to these CD's and enjoy!
